Quinn, 42, has spent the past five seasons as the associate head coach at Boston University (Hockey East), where he helped lead the Terriers to the NCAA national championship in 2008-09. During Quinn’s tenure as associate head coach, the Terriers posted a 123-57-25 record (.661), including a 35-6-4 mark a season ago.

“David is a proven winner who has successfully coached young players throughout their careers,” said Avalanche General Manager Greg Sherman. “He played a significant role in the success of Boston University’s program, and has the necessary experience to lead our young prospects in Cleveland.”

Prior to his time at Boston University, Quinn spent two seasons (2002-04) as head coach of the U.S. National Under-17 Team within USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program. There, he guided the team to a 35-26-8 record and earned USA Hockey’s Developmental Coach of the Year award in 2003.

Before his stint with the NTDP, Quinn spent six seasons (1996-2002) as the top assistant coach and head recruiter for the University of Nebraska-Omaha, helping to establish the first men's Division I ice hockey program at the school. Prior to his role at Nebraska-Omaha, Quinn was the top assistant at Northeastern University, where he was responsible for recruiting, off-ice conditioning, scouting, video coordination and game-night coaching.

A native of Cranston, R.I., Quinn’s involvement with USA Hockey in a coaching capacity dates back to 1995, when he served as a member of the coaching staff for the U.S. Women’s Select Camp. He served as an assistant coach for the silver-medal winning 1999 and 2000 U.S. Women's National Teams at the IIHF World Women's Championship and was also selected as an assistant coach for the U.S. National Junior Team at the 2005 IIHF World Junior Championship. In addition, he served as an assistant coach for the U.S. Men’s National Team at the 2007 IIHF World Championship.

Quinn was the Minnesota North Stars’ first selection (first round, 13th overall) in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft. A standout defenseman during his three-year career at Boston University, Quinn earned All-Hockey East laurels in 1985-86 after totaling 22 points (2g/20a) in 37 games as a sophomore. Prior to his senior season, Quinn was diagnosed with a blood disorder called Christmas Disease that forced him to retire from the game.

He later attempted a comeback, spending the 1991-92 season with the AHL’s Binghamton Rangers and the 1992-93 campaign with the International Hockey League’s Cleveland Lumberjacks before joining the coaching ranks.